Frequently Asked Questions

A scrubber dryer is a professional cleaning machine that cleans hard floors by scrubbing and drying in one pass. It uses rotating brushes or pads to loosen dirt, while water and detergent are applied to the surface. A vacuum system then removes the dirty water, leaving the floor clean and dry—ready to walk on immediately.

Scrubber dryers are ideal for areas where high cleaning standards, efficiency, and fast drying times are essential, such as warehouses, supermarkets, hospitals, and schools.

Scrubber dryers are designed for most hard floor types, including:

• Concrete
• Tile and ceramic
• Vinyl and linoleum
• Epoxy-coated floors
• Natural stone (e.g. marble, granite)
• Sealed wood or laminate (with caution)

They’re suitable for both smooth and slightly textured surfaces. For delicate floors or specialty environments, Nilfisk offers machines with adjustable brush pressure and specific pad types to ensure safe, effective cleaning.

The key difference lies in how the operator uses the machine:

• Walk-behind scrubber dryers are manually guided by the operator walking behind the machine. They’re ideal for smaller or more confined areas, like retail aisles, classrooms, or small warehouses.
• Ride-on scrubber dryers allow the operator to sit and drive the machine, making them perfect for larger facilities such as airports, distribution centers, or manufacturing plants. They cover more ground quickly and reduce operator fatigue during long cleaning shifts.

If you need both a scrubber dryer and a sweeper, a combination machine is the ideal solution. It combines sweeping and scrubbing functions into one efficient unit, letting you collect debris and deep-clean floors in a single pass. 

Choosing between the two depends on your space, frequency of use, and productivity goals.

Each machine serves a different purpose:

• A scrubber dryer cleans and dries hard floors using water, detergent, and brushes—removing both dirt and moisture in one pass.
• A floor polisher is used to buff and shine clean floors, typically for aesthetic purposes. It does not clean or dry surfaces.
• A sweeper is designed to collect dry dust, dirt, and debris—but it doesn’t wash or scrub the floor.

If you need deep cleaning and fast drying, a scrubber dryer is your best choice. For dry debris removal before wet cleaning, a sweeper is often used as a first step.

A sweeper is a floor cleaning machine designed to collect dust, dirt, debris, and even larger particles from hard surfaces. It uses rotating brushes to sweep debris into a built-in hopper or collection bin, and many models also include a vacuum or filter system to control fine dust.

The main difference is size, capacity, and operator comfort:

• Walk-behind sweepers are compact and easy to manoeuvre—ideal for small to medium-sized areas with obstacles.
• Ride-on sweepers are larger, more powerful, and designed for covering large areas quickly and efficiently.

Use walk-behind models for tight indoor spaces and ride-on models for large, open areas—both indoor and outdoor.

Sweepers and scrubber dryers serve different purposes, and in many cases, they work best together:

• Sweepers are designed to remove dry debris, dust, and loose dirt.
• Scrubber dryers apply water and detergent, then scrub and dry the floor in one pass—perfect for removing grease, stains, or sticky residues.

Use a sweeper first to clear loose debris, then follow with a scrubber dryer for deep cleaning. This approach protects your scrubber and improves cleaning results.

Yes! Nilfisk sweepers are designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, with models built to handle different surface types and debris levels.

• Indoor use: Low-dust operation, compact design, and filtration systems make them ideal for warehouses, production areas, or retail spaces.
• Outdoor use: Larger models with rugged wheels and higher debris capacity can tackle sidewalks, loading docks, and parking areas.

Sweepers are available in different sizes to match your space:

• Small areas (<1,000 m²): Compact walk-behind sweepers offer great control in narrow or congested spaces.
• Medium areas (1,000–5,000 m²): Mid-sized ride-on models balance power and agility.
• Large areas (5,000+ m²): Heavy-duty ride-on sweepers cover large industrial or outdoor spaces quickly and efficiently.

Choosing the right size helps reduce cleaning time and improves productivity—ask our team for guidance based on your facility layout.

Robotic floor cleaning refers to the use of self-driving cleaning machines that can navigate and clean floors without manual operation. These machines use advanced technologies like sensors, cameras, and software to map spaces, avoid obstacles, and follow cleaning routes automatically.

In short, they clean floors with minimal human involvement, improving efficiency and consistency.

Robotic cleaning machines are powered by a combination of:

• Navigation sensors (LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic): To detect surroundings, avoid obstacles, and follow mapped routes.
• Advanced software and AI: To analyse the environment, plan cleaning paths, and adapt in real time.
• Connectivity and cloud integration: For fleet management, reporting, and remote monitoring.
• Manual override options: For full control when needed.

Once trained to map a space, the machine can clean the same area repeatedly and efficiently — often with just a push of a button.

Robotic floor cleaners offer several advantages:

• Labour savings: Staff can focus on higher-value tasks while the machine handles routine cleaning.
• Consistent results: Robotic machines follow the same route and settings every time, improving cleaning quality.
• Data & reporting: You can track usage, cleaning coverage, and efficiency with built-in digital tools.
• 24/7 readiness: These machines can clean at any time, including off-hours, with no need for breaks.
• Improved safety: Reduced physical strain on staff and safer operations through smart obstacle avoidance.

Robotic cleaning is ideal for large or repetitive floor areas, especially where consistency and uptime are important. Typical environments include:

• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Offices and commercial buildings
• Warehouses, logistics hubs, and manufacturing sites
• Airports, schools, and universities

Generally, any facility with open, accessible floor space and regular cleaning needs can benefit from automation.

Yes, robotic cleaning machines are designed to operate safely around people.

They are equipped with:

• Obstacle detection sensors to stop or reroute in real time
• Speed controls to ensure safe operation in busy environments
• Compliance with safety standards for use in public and professional spaces

These machines can operate during open hours in areas with foot traffic, making them both efficient and safe.

A combination machine is a two-in-one cleaning solution that integrates both sweeping and scrubbing functions into a single unit. It allows you to sweep up loose debris and scrub the floor clean in one pass, saving time, labour, and operational costs—especially in large, heavily soiled areas.

Because of the combination of the benefits from both sweepers and scrubber dryers, combination machines are also known as sweeper-scrubbers. 

While using separate machines requires two separate cleaning steps, a combination machine handles both in a single pass. 

Key differences:

• Efficiency: Combines sweeping and scrubbing, reducing total cleaning time.
• Labour saving: One operator, one machine—less downtime and fewer workflows.
• Compact footprint: No need to store and maintain two separate machines.

For facilities with frequent heavy-duty cleaning needs, a combination machine can offer a faster and more cost-effective solution.

Combination machines are designed to clean large, hard floor surfaces, such as:

• Concrete
• Epoxy-coated floors
• Warehouse and factory floors
• Parking garages
• Distribution centers

They are not suitable for soft surfaces like carpet, but they excel on rough, uneven, or heavily soiled hard floors.

Yes—most combination machines can be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on the model.

• Indoors: Great for warehouses, logistics hubs, and production areas.
• Outdoors: Effective for covered loading docks, parking areas, or large walkways.

Just make sure the machine size, power source (e.g., battery, LPG, or diesel), and ventilation needs are appropriate for your specific environment.

Absolutely. Nilfisk combination machines are built for demanding environments and high-productivity cleaning.

They are ideal for:

• Heavy industry and manufacturing
• Warehouses with large debris and stubborn grime
• Facilities that require consistent, deep cleaning across large areas

Many models offer robust construction, high tank capacity, and powerful suction, making them perfect for industrial-grade performance.

Commercial vacuum cleaners are built for professional, frequent, high-performance cleaning in demanding environments, while residential vacuums are designed for occasional use in homes.

Here’s how they differ:

• Durability: Commercial vacuums are made with stronger materials/structures to withstand high-duration, rough daily use.
• Capacity: They typically have larger dust containers and/or bags to optimise uptime by reducing emptying cycles.
• Performance: More powerful motors and airflow for deeper, faster cleaning.
• Special features: Options like HEPA filtration, low-noise operation, or anti-static protection for specific industries.

If you clean large or high-traffic areas regularly, a commercial vacuum is a better long-term investment.

Nilfisk offers a full range of commercial vacuum cleaners designed to meet the needs of various industries and applications, including:

• Dry Vacuums – For cleaning of hard floor and carpets – Compact, quiet, powerful, and versatile for offices, hotels, hospitals, etc.
• Wet & Dry Vacuums – Ideal for use with both dry dirt and liquids.
• Upright Vacuums – For superior pickup and cleaning of soft floors – Ideal for extracting particles deep within carpets.
• Backpack Vacuums – Lightweight and mobile, ideal for cleaning tight spaces or stairs.

Choosing the right vacuum depends on your cleaning environment, floor type, and any special safety or hygiene requirements.

Here’s what to consider:

• Type of dirt: Dry dust, debris, liquids, hazardous materials, or fine particles?
• Floor type: Hard floors, carpets, or a mix?
• Size of the area: Larger spaces may need vacuums with bigger capacity or cord-free mobility.
• Frequency of use: Daily cleaning requires a more robust, easy-to-maintain model.
• Noise sensitivity: In offices or hotels, low-noise models are preferred.
• Air quality needs: HEPA-filtered vacuums are important for allergy-prone or sterile areas.

Not sure where to start? Our team can help you choose a model that fits your exact needs.

Yes. Many Nilfisk commercial vacuums are designed for use on both hard floors and carpets.

Look for models with adjustable nozzles, active brush heads, or suction levels to adapt to different surfaces.

For high-pile carpets or delicate floors, check the technical specifications to ensure compatibility.

If your facility has mixed floor types, choose a versatile model that can switch modes easily without sacrificing performance.

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter captures at least 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, allergens, and bacteria.

HEPA filters are especially important in:

• Healthcare and cleanroom environments – where hygiene and infection control are critical.
• Schools, offices, and public buildings – to maintain healthy indoor air quality.
• Hospitality – for a good first impression and a healthy indoor environment.
• Industrial settings – where fine dust can pose respiratory risks.

Nilfisk offers a range of HEPA-filtered vacuums for both general and specialised applications, helping ensure a cleaner and safer environment.

An industrial vacuum system is designed for continuous, heavy-duty cleaning in demanding environments, often involving hazardous dust, large debris, or production waste.

Unlike commercial vacuums—which are intended for lighter, intermittent cleaning in offices or retail spaces—industrial vacuums are built for:

• Durability in harsh or high-volume conditions (factories, warehouses, production lines)
• High suction power to handle large or dense materials
• Advanced filtration, including HEPA or ULPA filters for hazardous dusts (e.g., silica, asbestos)
• Special features like ATEX certification for explosive environments or integration with machinery

Industrial vacuums are essential across a wide range of industries where safety, efficiency, and cleanliness are critical.

Common sectors include:

• Pharmaceuticals – for cleanroom compliance and dust containment
• Food & Beverage – for hygiene and contamination control
• Construction & Cement – for removing fine, hazardous dust like silica
• Metalworking – for collecting shavings, swarf, and coolant residues
• Automotive & Aerospace – for cleaning production lines and assembly zones
• Chemicals & Plastics – for handling powders, granulates, and combustible dusts
• Electronics – for removing fine particles in precision manufacturing

Each industry has specific safety and performance requirements, which Nilfisk systems are designed to meet.

Nilfisk industrial vacuums can handle a wide variety of materials—including some that are hazardous or difficult to manage with standard equipment.

Examples include:

• Fine dust (e.g., silica, toner, flour, powder coatings)
• Wet and dry debris
• Heavy or coarse particles (e.g., metal shavings, cement, pellets)
• Oils, coolants, and liquids
• Combustible or explosive dust (with ATEX-certified models)

Choosing the right vacuum depends on the material’s properties—such as toxicity, flammability, or moisture content—and the application environment.

Yes. Nilfisk industrial vacuums are engineered specifically for non-stop, heavy-duty operation—even in the most demanding environments.

Key safety and durability features include:

• Robust construction using stainless steel or corrosion-resistant materials
• Continuous-duty motors and multi-stage turbines
• Advanced filtration systems to protect operators and machinery (e.g., HEPA, ULPA, upstream/downstream filters)
• ATEX-certified models for explosive dust zones (Zone 22, Zone 21, etc.)
• Easy maintenance and modular design for 24/7 industrial workflows

Whether integrated into production lines or used as stand-alone units, Nilfisk vacuums are trusted worldwide for reliability, safety, and performance.

Nilfisk offers a full range of professional and industrial high-pressure washers, designed for a wide variety of cleaning tasks.

Our range includes:

• Cold Water Pressure Washers – Ideal for general cleaning, including vehicles, equipment, and surfaces where grease or oil is not a major concern.
• Hot Water Pressure Washers – Best for removing grease, oil, and tough residues, especially in automotive, food, and industrial environments.
• Petrol/Diesel-driven Pressure Washers – For when maximum flexibility and cleaning performance are needed.
• Stationary Systems – Designed for fixed installations in industries that require frequent, high-intensity cleaning.
• Mobile Units – Easy to move and use in diverse locations, both indoors and outdoors.

The choice depends on what you're cleaning and how demanding the task is:

• Cold Water: Best for removing dirt, mud, dust, and loose debris. It’s ideal for general cleaning of vehicles, floors, outdoor areas, and equipment.
• Hot Water: More effective on oil, grease, and sticky residues. It's recommended for industries like automotive, agriculture, manufacturing, and food processing

Hot water cleans more effectively and faster, often reducing the need for chemicals, which can lower operational costs over time.

Pressure level determines how powerful the cleaning action is, and it should match the type of dirt and surface:

• 100–150 bar (1,450–2,175 PSI) – Light-duty tasks like vehicle washing, patio cleaning, or basic maintenance.
• 150–250 bar (2,175–3,625 PSI) – Medium-duty cleaning of machinery, workshops, or building exteriors.
• 250+ bar (3,625+ PSI) – Heavy-duty or industrial cleaning, including stubborn residues, large surfaces, and intensive use cases.

Too much pressure on the wrong surface can cause damage, so it’s important to match the washer to the job.

Yes. Nilfisk offers robust, high-performance washers specifically engineered for industrial environments, including:

• Manufacturing plants
• Agriculture and food production
• Automotive workshops and transport depots
• Construction and mining sectors

These machines are built for continuous use, with durable components, high-pressure performance, and reliable safety features.

Yes, many Nilfisk models are designed for versatile use indoors and outdoors, depending on the application:

• For indoor cleaning, electric-powered units are recommended to avoid exhaust fumes.
• For outdoor or mobile use, petrol/diesel-powered models offer maximum mobility and power.

We also offer stationary systems ideal for indoor use in industries requiring fixed cleaning setups.

Nilfisk offers a wide range of genuine accessories to enhance cleaning efficiency and versatility, including:

• Rotating turbo nozzles for deep cleaning
• Foam sprayers and detergent injectors
• Flat surface cleaners for patios and floors
• Extension hoses and lance variations
• Water filters and hose reels
• Special tools for vehicle, façade, or drain cleaning

Using the right accessories can significantly improve both cleaning performance and operator comfort.

A carpet extractor is a specialised cleaning machine designed to deep-clean carpets and upholstery. It works by spraying a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet fibers, then scrubbing and agitating the surface with brushes before vacuuming up the dirty water. This process removes dirt, stains, and allergens embedded deep within the carpet, leaving it fresh and clean.

While a regular vacuum cleaner removes surface dust and debris, a carpet extractor goes deeper by washing the carpet fibers with water and cleaning solutions. This deep extraction removes stubborn dirt, stains, and allergens that vacuums can’t reach, providing a much more thorough clean—especially important for commercial and industrial environments.

Nilfisk offers a variety of carpet extractors tailored to different cleaning needs, including portable spot-cleaners for small areas, walk-behind machines for medium-sized spaces, and larger ride-on models for extensive carpeted facilities. Our extractors come with advanced features like adjustable brushes, variable water flow, and efficient recovery tanks to optimise cleaning performance and productivity.

Yes, Nilfisk carpet extractors are designed to meet the demands of both commercial and industrial environments. They deliver powerful cleaning performance, durability, and ease of use—whether you’re cleaning offices, hotels, hospitals, or large warehouses. Our machines are built to handle frequent, heavy-duty cleaning while ensuring excellent results and long service life.

A steam cleaner uses high-temperature steam to loosen dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces. The steam penetrates deep into pores and cracks, effectively sanitising and cleaning without harsh scrubbing. It’s a chemical-free way to clean using only water and heat.

Steam cleaners are versatile and safe for many surfaces, including sealed hard floors (tile, stone, vinyl), countertops, glass, upholstery, carpets, and even some fabrics. However, delicate surfaces like unsealed wood or certain plastics may require caution—always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Unlike traditional cleaning, which often relies on chemicals and manual scrubbing, steam cleaners use only heated water vapor to break down dirt and kill bacteria. This means faster cleaning, less chemical residue, and a more environmentally friendly process that also sanitises surfaces effectively.

Yes! Steam cleaning uses only water and heat, making it a safe option around children, pets, and food preparation areas—provided you follow safety instructions to avoid burns from the hot steam. It’s an excellent choice for hygienic cleaning without harmful chemicals.

No. One of the main benefits of steam cleaners is that they clean and sanitise effectively without any added chemicals. This reduces exposure to harsh cleaning agents and makes steam cleaning an eco-friendly and allergy-friendly option.